The Problems - Squash Courts:

•	Condensation in Winter
•	Heat build-up in Summer
•	Body odours

The Problems - Gymnasiums:

•	Body odour
•	Moisture
•	Stale air

Solutions:

SQUASH COURTS : Air change rate per hour 4 minimum

Condensation is a widespread problem in squash courts, control being of prime importance to prevent deterioration of the playing surfaces and dangerous floor conditions. This is often aggravated by inadequate heating and poor insulation and is particularly troublesome during the first few months, whilst the building materials are drying out.

Correct ventilation removes moisture laden air, making it easier for damp surfaces to dry out. Better breathing conditions are created by reducing the pollutants in the air, and reducing solar heat gain. For detailed advice on heating and insulation refer to the Squash Racquets Association. Where quiet conditions are required, units should be sized to run on low speed.

SINGLE COURT

Ventilation units should be installed to extract at high level above the viewing gallery. Air replacement should be via inlets at low level in the front play wall and side walls.

MULTIPLE COURTS

There is usually ample air replacement at the viewing gallery ends. Therefore, provision should be made for extraction at high level in the front play wall ends, either in the wall itself or in the roof above. Ventilation openings should be protected by grilles e.g. eggcrate, to stop damage caused by squash balls.

CHAMPIONSHIP COURTS

These usually have large audience areas and will require higher rates of air movement, to cater for both players and spectators.

GYMNASIUMS: Air change rate per hour 6 minimum.

The above rate of extraction is required to remove body odours and stale air. Care should be taken to ensure that air replacement does not create draughts i.e. air replacement grilles should be situated at the opposite ends of the areas to the units, and deflect incoming air upwards. Consider heat recovery units to reduce heating bills.

SIZE AND NUMBER OF VENTILATION UNITS

Calculate the volume of the room (height x width x length) and multiply by ACH. This equals the volume required per hour. Choose the size and number of units from the output table to ensure that this minimum volume is achieved.